Seifert’s Unbeaten 97 Complements Neesham’s Five-Wicket Haul as New Zealand Thrash Pakistan
New Zealand wrapped up their T20I series against Pakistan in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding 4-1 series win with a resounding victory in the final match. Tim Seifert’s blistering 97* off just 38 balls ensured the hosts chased down Pakistan’s modest total of 128 in only 10 overs. Earlier, James Neesham’s sensational five-wicket haul dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, leaving them reeling.
New Zealand’s Tactical Dominance from the Start
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, New Zealand executed their game plan flawlessly. Will O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy applied early pressure, restricting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities and claiming three wickets during the powerplay. Hassan Nawaz’s torrid run in the series continued as he was dismissed for his third duck, managing just one run in the other four matches aside from his century at Eden Park.
Neesham further compounded Pakistan’s woes by striking at crucial intervals, reducing them to a precarious 52/5 midway through their innings. Captain Salman Agha found little support as Pakistan’s top order collapsed under sustained pressure.
Agha, Shadab Offer Brief Resistance
Salman Agha and Shadab Khan mounted a brief counterattack, forging a 54-run partnership off 35 balls. While neither are recognized power hitters, their calculated stroke play and field manipulation temporarily shifted momentum. However, frustration got the better of Shadab when he was denied a free hit for a high full toss, resulting in his dismissal after he edged the very next delivery to the keeper.
With Shadab gone, Pakistan’s innings unraveled. Despite Agha registering his second half-century in three games, Neesham swiftly cleaned up the tail, restricting Pakistan to a subpar 128 as they lost four wickets for just 22 runs in the final four overs.
Seifert and Allen Set the Stage Ablaze
New Zealand’s chase started with an onslaught, as Jahandad Khan’s opening over was plundered for 18 runs. Seifert and Finn Allen showed no mercy, consistently dispatching Pakistan’s bowlers to the boundary. Five of the first six overs yielded double-digit runs, propelling New Zealand to a record-breaking 92 in the powerplay—their highest-ever six-over tally in T20I history.
Sufiyan Muqeem’s introduction brought brief respite for Pakistan, as he dismissed Allen with his second delivery before deceiving Mark Chapman with a quicker one, resulting in a stumping. His two overs went for just six runs while claiming two key wickets.
Seifert’s Spectacular Finish
However, any hope of a Pakistan comeback was brutally extinguished when Shadab Khan came on to bowl his final over. Seifert went into overdrive, smashing four sixes in six balls, including three in succession to conclude the match. His onslaught yielded 26 runs off the over, sealing an emphatic victory in what had become an increasingly one-sided contest.
New Zealand’s Strength Shines, Pakistan Left Searching for Answers
New Zealand’s depth and adaptability throughout the series will provide immense confidence heading forward, showcasing their firepower across all departments. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s struggles raise significant concerns, as they must reassess their strategy and personnel to prevent further declines in performance.
With this dominant display, New Zealand once again asserts itself as a formidable force in international T20 cricket, while Pakistan faces tough questions about their form and future direction.